MPV Commentary

Solomon's Wives and Concubines in His Old Age.

King Solomon loved many foreign women, despite his extraordinary gift of wisdom. This was a grievous error that ultimately led to his downfall. At the beginning of his reign, Solomon exhibited remarkable piety and promise, but as he grew older, he became increasingly enamored with the world and its pleasures. This love for the world corrupted his heart, leading to mental darkness and a departure from God's grace.

Solomon's fall is attributed to his "love of many strange women." Polygamy was tolerated among the ancient Hebrews, but Solomon's numerous wives were an indication of his wealth and status, rather than a necessary aspect of his royal position. The practice of having multiple wives was seen as a sign of grandeur in the East, but it was a direct violation of God's law (Deuteronomy 17:17). This statute was intended to prevent exactly what happened with Solomon.

Solomon's marriage to the daughter of Pharaoh is not condemned here or elsewhere. However, his love for many foreign women led him astray, as they often exerted a subtle but powerful influence over their husbands in the harem.

He had seven hundred wives, princesses who were likely daughters of tributary chiefs given as hostages for good conduct. He also had concubines, legitimate but lower or secondary wives, whom his chief wife regarded without jealousy or regret.

As Solomon grew older, around fifty years old, his wives turned his heart away from God and towards other deities. Some interpret this as Solomon merely humoring his wives' superstitions, but this only adds to the severity of his actions. The sacred historian implies that Solomon became an actual idolater, worshipping images of wood or stone in sight of the temple he had built for the true God.

Solomon built altars for Ashtoreth (Astarte), Milcom (Molech), and Chemosh, but it is likely these were the only idols his foreign wives worshipped. He also offered incense and sacrifices to these gods, with incense being considered a higher act of homage.